Demond Williams Jr. had a stellar performance in the LA Bowl, leading the Washington Huskies to a decisive 38-3 triumph over the Boise State Broncos. As the game progressed, Washington Coach Jedd Fisch opted to substitute the sophomore quarterback midway through the contest, allowing senior Kai Horton to take the reins in his final year of eligibility. Williams concluded the game with an impressive 62% completion rate, passing for 214 yards and four touchdowns, alongside 16 rushing yards and a 3-yard reception.
The Huskies’ defense showcased its dominance throughout the game, with standout plays including two interceptions by Leroy Bryant, who made a significant contribution by capturing his second interception of the day and Washington’s fifth of the night. Boise State struggled offensively, managing only 97 yards until late in the game, often forced into quick punts thanks to Washington’s relentless defense.
Even as the Huskies aimed to manage the clock late in the game, senior running back Jonah Coleman faced an uncharacteristic fumble. However, Washington quickly rebounded, as Deshawn Lynch intercepted another ill-fated throw from Boise State’s quarterback, setting up Coleman for his 17th touchdown of the season.
The offense began to click for Washington early on, as Williams threw a remarkable 32-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Quentin Moore to extend the lead. Earlier drives had been marked by success, with Williams connecting with junior wide receiver Denzel Boston multiple times, showcasing a strong chemistry as Boston became a major offensive threat.
Boise State’s quarterback Maddux Madsen was sidelined in the first half due to a toe injury, leading the Broncos to rely on backup Max Cutforth. The shift did not yield benefits, as Cutforth struggled against a Washington defense that had been dominating throughout the season. The Broncos’ offensive line allowed multiple sacks, adding pressure to their quarterback’s performance.
Washington entered halftime leading 24-3 after rallying from a slow start, exemplifying resilience under pressure. Historical context surrounds the Huskies’ matchup with Boise State, as they have faced them twice in bowl games since 2010. Washington aimed for victory to end a two-game bowl losing streak, solidifying their intent to approach this game as a championship opportunity.
Coach Fisch expressed optimism about the game, emphasizing the lessons his team could learn from the experience. With key players back in action, the Huskies demonstrated their potential, effectively rebounding from previous injuries to finish the season on a high note. This victory not only marks a milestone for the program but also signifies the promising future ahead as Washington continues to build momentum.